Murdock, Wantagh, NY

Hi! My name is Murdock and my story hasn’t found its happy ending quite yet, but I am still hopeful!

I arrived at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter back in July of 2014. My “owner” was arrested for numerous crimes, including dog fighting. When I first arrived my face and body was covered in countless fresh wounds and old scars, a severely injured eye (I’m blind in my left eye) a torn ear, and worn down teeth. This is my “before” photo.

Some said that I was one of the fighting dogs, while others thought that after getting too old to be a fighter, I was used as a bait dog. Either way it’s a past that I don’t like to look back at.

Since I was part of an ongoing court case I was not allowed to be taken out for walks or quality time by the volunteers. Although I was not allowed to be taken out, that didn’t stop numerous staff and volunteers from visiting me and giving me lots of love, attention and treats!

I had to sit in my kennel and wait for the courts to determine my fate. Time dragged as the court case reached several hurtles (the slow wheels of justice).

After eight very long months of isolation my owner pleaded guilty to dog fighting and I was turned over to the custody of the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter. At first many were concerned that due to what I had been through I might be a dangerous. Sometimes the trauma from years of abuse is too much for a dog to handle and they are never able to acclimate into society.

Although I bear the scars from years of abuse, you could never tell from my personality! After spending time and behavioral testing with me, the staff found me to beyond sweet and wanting nothing more than human affection. When approached by a person I push my head and body up against them — I guess you could say I like to cuddle — it’s something I have not received nearly enough of in my lifetime.

So here is where I am now, at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter, waiting for my future family to come adopt me. I have already become a staff and volunteer favorite due to my lovable personality and warm-hearted disposition. As much as I love all the attention from the staff and volunteers, I’m ready for a family and a home to call my own.

If you are looking to save a dog desperately in need, I’m your boy! Here is some more info on me:

  • I’m a male dog estimated at 6 ½ years old
  • I am neutered, microchipped and up-to-date on all of my vaccinations.
  • I am great with people, but am not comfortable with other dogs. I can walk past a dog with no problem, but need to be the only dog in my home
  • I love to chase balls and other toys, but will readily give it up when asked
  • I LOVE lying in the sun, being lazy and getting my ears, neck, chest and belly scratched. This is a new luxurious experience for me. I certainly loves being outside.

If you are interested in providing a forever home for me, please contact the Hempstead Town Animal Shelter. Tell them I sent you! 🙂

Thanks for reading my story. You can follow my adventure on Facebook, Adopt Murdock, and I hope to see you soon!

~ Murdock

p.s. Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter is located at 3320 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, NY 11793. Call (516) 785-5220 and ask to speak with an Adoptions Counselor. Thank you.

Update: After waiting more than 400 days in a shelter and traveling 2,500 miles, Murdock finally found his forever home. Read his journey home.

Top